ICF CODE OF ETHICS

The ICF Philosophy of Coaching  

The International Coach Federation (ICF) adheres to a form of coaching that honors the client as the expert in his/her life and work and believes that every client is creative, resourceful, and whole. Standing on this foundation, the coach's responsibility is to: 

• Discover, clarify, and align with what the client wants to achieve 

• Encourage client self-discovery  

• Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies  

• Hold the client responsible and accountable  

The ICF Definition of Coaching  

Professional Coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses or organizations. Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life. 

In one-on-one meetings, the client chooses the focus of conversation, while the coach listens and contributes observations and questions.  This interaction creates clarity and moves the client into action. Coaching accelerates the client's progress by providing greater focus and awareness of available choices. Coaching concentrates on where clients are now and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be in the future.  ICF Credentialed Coaches recognize that results are a matter of the client's intentions, choices and actions, supported by the coach's efforts and application of the coaching process. Look for the PCC ("Professional Certified Coach") certification standard required for the advanced application of coaching principles. 

The ICF Pledge of Ethics  

ICF Coaching practices, with the affiliation of ABCMIND ICF member professionals, were designed to acknowledge and honor these ethical obligations to clients and colleagues and to the public at large. Thus, we pledge to treat people with dignity as independent resourceful human beings, and to model these standards for those with whom we work.